China - Apply for Work Visa / Permit (Z Visa)

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Procedure

You can go to the Chinese embassy, consulates or other diplomatic missions in person for application. You can also entrust your friends, a travel agency or visa agency to act on your behalf. There is no need to make an appointment. Mailed applications are not acceptable.

Work permit process

The employee will go for a medical examination at an authorised hospital either inside or outside China. They will need a medical report signed by their doctor and stamped with the hospitals seal. Some cities, such as Beijing, also require foreign employees to have a non-criminal record check attested by Chinese authorities.

The medical report will be attached to an employment licence application, which is often submitted by the Chinese employer to their local Labour Bureau.

After an employment licence is approved and granted, the company requests a Z Visa invitation from their local Foreign Economic and Trade Commission. These are then forwarded to the employee who applies for a Z Visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in their home country.

After the employee arrives in China, they need to apply for a work permit at their local Labour Bureau.

It should be noted that in cities such as Shanghai foreign nationals can have their medical examination after they get their Z Visa and work permit.

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Required Documents

• Applicant's valid actual passport with at least six months validity left before expiration and at least one blank page left in it.
• One truly completed Visa Application Form.
• One recent passport standard photo affixed on the Application Form.
• Invitation Letter issued by duly authorized entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities.
• Work Permit (one of the following work permits):
  • Foreigners Employment Permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the PRC.
  • Permit for Foreign Experts (Foreign Experts Certificate) issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts of the PRC.
  • Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries(regions) issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration.
  • An approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs.
  • Invitation Letter to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations issued by National Offshore Oil Corporation.

Office Locations & Contacts

People's Republic of China Ministry of Public Security
Address: No. 14 East Chang An Avenue,
Beijing Zip: 100741
http://www.mps.gov.cn/
Contacts for Municipal Public Security Bureaus of China

Chinese Missions Overseas

Eligibility

After entering the country with their Z Visa, expats should apply for work and residence permits for China as soon as possible after they arrive. This is especially important given that, under regulations that took effect in September 2013, the processing period for permits alone can take up to 15 days and interviews may be required.

Fees

The fee is as same as the fee for other types of Chinese visa. Generally speaking, Chinese embassy or consulate only issue single entry Z to aliens. If you apply for it in the United States of America, US$140 for American citizens, US$30 for other citizens.

Validity

Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid.
e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever

Documents to Use

Visa Application Form

Sample Documents

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Processing Time

In fact, the entire process, from the employer applying for the expats employment licence, to the expat receiving their work and residence permits once they are in the country, can take longer than six weeks.

Related Videos

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Instructions

First, the organization must be accredited to employ foreigners. You must meet the requirements as a 'foreign expert' and the employer must obtain a certificate stating that you comply. The most common employment is teaching English for which the minimum qualifications are stated as having English as a first language and having at least a Bachelors degree and two year teaching experience. The age limit for male applicants is 18 - 60, and 18 - 55 for female applicants. However, there is some flexibility in these requirements so if you can find a willing employer they still have a chance of obtaining approvals for you.

The employer will send you a government issued Employment Permit and Visa Notification Letter which you must submit with a photocopies with your application. Accompanying family members should apply for new S1 or S2 visa submitting invitation letter from the relative with work Z in China and a 'proof of relationship' i.e. their marriage certificate for a spouse, or birth certificate for a child.

Required Information

• Name of the applicant
• Nationality
• Passport number
• Address
• Contact information
• Gender

Need for the Document

China Work visa (Z Visa) is issued to those who have obtained employment permit and intend to work in China. A Chinese government issued working permit or employment license is required. Z visa is usually issued for one entry with duration of stay of 000 (means to be determined). Holder of Z visa should enter China within 90 days after visa is issued and must register at local public security bureau within 30 days of arrival, where the China Residence Permit will be issued to replace Z visa to allow multiple entry for one year.

Information which might help

Work permits for China

Each case is unique and there are differences between each citys immigration and labour processes. There are, however, a few standard requirements expat employees will likely have to fulfil:

• They will need to obtain a Z visa prior to arriving
• The work permit application has to be sponsored by a locally registered company in China
• They need to live and work in the same location as their sponsoring company
• A medical examination will be required

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

A work visa is required for persons wanting to work in China for pay. It is also issued to aliens who come to China for commercial entertainment performance. It is only granted if you and the employer meet certain requirements.

External Links

Obtaining a Z Visa, Work Permit and Residence Permit in China

China Work Visa (Z)

Shanghai Public Security Bureau

Others

Under the old rules, the two primary visas for business and work in China were the F visa and the Z visa. However, with the new Regulations in place, visa categories and requirements for foreigners who would like to work and do business in the country have been changed significantly.

Under the current visa system, the Z visa is no longer the only type of visa with which foreign individuals can be employed. Foreigners may also be employed through a new type of visa the R visa. Such visas are aimed at attracting global talents and apply to senior-level foreign professionals whose skills are urgently needed in China. Applicants for the R visa need to satisfy the requirements stipulated by the relevant competent authorities and must provide relevant documentation.